Training for a Half Marathon

I've found that I lose motivation very quickly with workouts. I tried P90X for a while and I enjoyed it and was seeing results, but that didn't seem to be enough to keep me motivated.

I've tried running in the past and it goes well for a while, but I have never seemed to find it worthwhile. So far, after two weeks, I think I have figured out what motivates me.

Commitment.

I committed to running the Dam to Dam race in Des Moines on June 2. OK, it's not quite a half marathon, it's 20K and a half marathon is 21.1K...

My goal is to finish, and hopefully run at an 8-minute/mile pace.

I was urged by a friend at work who ran this race last year. She said it's super fun and gave me some training tips. I love to plan this stuff out! It excites me!

She sent me a link to a 12-week training plan that's pretty light on the running actually. I only have to run three days a week, with the longer runs being on Saturdays.

I modified the schedule with five pre-training bonus weeks to get in shape before the real training begins. I also shifted around the two workday runs to Mondays and Wednesdays because we have life group on Tuesdays and I wanted to set myself up for success.

Here is a look at my schedule. (Yes, I jazzed it up in Excel. I'm a nerd. I know.)

I'm really excited to go for this goal. Kelsey already bought me some awesome running gear (two shorts and two long-sleeve tops) as an early birthday present. I'm hoping to run outside most of the time, as long as it's above 35 degrees. Otherwise, I'll be heading to the gym to run on the treadmill, which I pretty much hate at this point.

What do you think? Would you ever consider running a half or full marathon? Any advise from those who have done it before? I would love to hear from you.